An open letter to U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet.

Dear Rep. Bergman,

I write out of frustration. I have been informed that letters are immediately dropped into the trash. I also know that all Republicans have been advised to not hold town halls. I’ve written twice to you about concerns, and received a form letter back that told me nothing about what you are doing to make sure our laws, national security, human rights, aid to those without health insurance and oversight of officials continue to stand.

Your reply was “the populace elected” Trump and implied that because of this he can do anything he wishes with our blessing. But, we expected that any unconstitutional actions would be curbed by the other two branches of the government. We also expected that congress would make sure that officials that are put in place are actually qualified for the job. We expected that when it came to curbing wasteful spending, the consequences of those actions would be carefully considered, so as not to destroy all the work that has been done to help our citizens, the environment, our health, our education, our freedom of religion and speech. We expected congress to stop actions taken by the president that are aimed at punishing his critics, and stifling the flow of news.

And we expected that our government would be respectful and conciliatory towards our long-standing allies. What are you and your fellow legislators doing in support of these things?

Lastly, I will say, that this is no democracy when our elected officials don’t even take time, or energy to meet their constituents or help us to understand what exactly is going on there in Washington, D.C.

I am not an activist. I am becoming one now because I see the demise of our country. We cannot abide the demonizing of anyone, nor the attitude of simply trying to dismantle what the “other” party has accomplished. Nothing will ever be solved by pushing the concerns of anyone aside. Nothing will get done by a congress so bitterly divided. I pray for our country.

Sincerely,